Shale gas mining

by Benoît Bleau for the Hemmingford Environment Committee, translation Catherine Stratford (February 2011)

119 765 people have signed the petition at the National Assembly of Quebec, asking for a Moratorium on Shale Gas Mining . Despite this petition, the Charest government does not seem to understand the importance of putting a stop to this active threat to our most precious resource, water.

A report from the B.A.P.E. (Bureau d’audience publique en environnement) revealed several leaks in operating shale gas wells. Minister Normandeau dismissed this saying that these leaks were inconsequential! The Quebec National Institute for Public Health also reports several serious health risks linked to the exploitation of shale gas mining in Quebec. It is not enough to say you are going to fine companies that do not meet environmental standards. By then, the damage is done!

At St-Marc-sur-le-Richelieu, the Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land gave a permit to the Aus- tralian Gas company Molopo Energy, to start exploration of land in this municipality. In our region, the Mayor of Huntingdon has shown interest in this industry and all of our region has been “claimed” by gas-mining companies.

The danger is not only a threat, it is a reality. People need to take a stand. It is really important to take the time to learn about the issue. One can obtain information from Le Comité Inter-Régional Gaz de Schistes de la Vallée du St- Laurent at their website: rvhq.ca. Another site www.schiste-st-liboire.blogspot.com shows the mining sites of wells being operated in Quebec, as well as several videos and documents about shale-gas mining. You can also show your opposition to this industry by buying a “Non au Gaz de Schiste” sign for your lawn, from the Hemmingford Environment Committee (for $10).

Finally, you can join the many groups opposing shale gas mining in Quebec by subscribing to the following news- letter: groupementcitoyengazdeschiste@gmail.com. This newsletter will inform you of manifestations taking place all over Quebec, and recent developments.

Last but not least, you can support renewable energy projects in your region. To get information on environmental action taking place in Hemmingford, you can contact us at envir.hemmingford@gmail.com.